Ensign Articles

Valerie from Prepared LDS Family posted a lovely compilation of all the articles from the past four years found in the Ensign on Self-Reliance and Preparedness.  Enjoy!

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2012/11/ensign-articles-about-food-storage-and.html

Lessons from Superstorm Sandy

There is a lot of  work to do after last week's superstorm, Sandy.  The devastation was huge and help is slow getting to a lot of people.  Because we lived on Long Island for several years, we're hearing first hand from close friends about the struggles that they are having.  Many still don't have power.  There isn't much gas available which is limiting travel and even the ability to help each other.  Almost all have trees down.  We can all learn so much about preparedness as we learn from others' experiences.   Here are a few lessons from Sandy that I've made note of:

1. Be prepared for more than 72 hours. 
We always hear about 72 hour kits and you might think that it's enough.  But clearly there are some people who haven't had any help and it's been longer than a week.1  There are still areas without electricity, food or water.  Some families are still in shelters, not knowing how quickly they'll be able to return home - if ever.  The reality is that in large scale disasters, help might be slow in coming.  Be prepared with much more than for just 72 hours. 

2. Store food and water.
As usual, the stores were cleaned out of food and water quickly.  When a storm is looming, you've already missed your best chance to store these items.  Now trucks can't get into many flooded and damaged areas to replenish supplies. It's a good idea to store food and water in abundance.  Aim for at least a three-month supply.  As I mentioned above, help might not come for weeks.

3. Ask yourself, what will I do without electricity.
How will you cook?  Stay warm?  Charge your cell phone?  Run your fridge?  Do you have a Cpap or any other necessary medical equipment that requires electricity (like a fridge for insulin)?  Address these issues ahead of time.  Have what you need on hand.

4. Don't wait to evacuate.
With Sandy, too many families thought they would be okay and didn't want to evacuate until it was too late.    Don't disregard warnings from authorities because you've weathered previous storms.  Be aware of all travel routes possible and the likelihood of becoming trapped.  I always worried about this when we lived on Long Island.  Because it's an island, there just weren't very many escape routes.  During Sandy many families were trapped on islands or peninsulas because those few routes were flooded, blocked or closed.  Always listen carefully and err on the side of caution.  It's also a good idea to keep money on hand so that you'll be able to make purchases if you are required to evacuate.

5. Have flood insurance.
Most flooding happened in what is called Zone A flood areas.  Flooding is highly likely in these areas and you should always have flood insurance.

6. Be prepared even if you aren't in harm's way.
Most of our friends on Long Island weren't ever in danger of their own homes flooding.  Still they are highly affected by the flooding roads, falling trees and damage that did happen around them.  Similarly, even if you aren't flooded or primarily compromised in a disaster, you might still experience the repercussions like loss of power, blocked roads, no gas, or low stocked stores, etc.  Sometimes the problems affect people thousands of miles away.  Everyone should be prepared regardless of location and situation.


Sources:
1 - http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/03/us/tropical-weather-sandy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Would the Romneys Keep a White House Food Storage?

This is not intended to be a political post.  Nor is it intended to be a recommendation that you vote any certain way.  I highly respect every individual's right to vote his/her conscience.  But the possibility of Romney, (who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is also the organization from which most of my recommendations come), moving into the White House does make me wonder how he might handle food storage.  I loved this little snippet from CNN which ponders the same question.

Jessica Ravitz writes, "The LDS Church advises its members to store enough food to feed a family for a year.  Food storage is viewed as a practical measure, one that can come in handy during, say, a crippling superstorm, massive power outages or unforeseen financial hardships.

The practice is rooted in Mormon history. The church’s early pioneers, on their trek westward to what is now Utah, experienced great suffering and starvation. They also endured their share of persecution and couldn’t rely on the help of others. So having resources squirreled away became a collective comfort.

Any chance that the Romneys would institute White House food storage?  Not because they would need it for themselves or likely anyone else at the White House, but Riess said in these uncertain times, it could be a good lesson in preparedness to showcase to the nation.  “I wouldn’t be surprised to see that,” she said.

Even if a family storing it doesn’t need the food, by having it available that family is poised to help others. Serving those less fortunate or in crisis is big in the LDS Church, and it is a part of another practice that may find its way into the White House if the Romneys move in."

I agree with the author that having a food supply would set a good example in preparedness for the nation.  I also like that she highlighted that one of the main purposes for having a food supply is so we can help others.  So, we'll have to watch and see.  What do you think?  It might not even be a relevant question after Tuesday.  [Don't forget to vote!]



Source:  http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/02/if-mormons-move-into-the-white-house/?hpt=hp_c2

Storm Preparation

Forgive me for such a long absence.  I have teenagers and life has gotten busy. 

Photo Source: NOAA

In wake of the "superstorm" approaching the eastern United States, I though I would repost some relevant past preparedness information.

Hurricane Preparedness
5 areas to address as you prepare for an approaching hurricane.
http://www.iprepared.blogspot.com/2011/08/hurricane-preparedness.html

Winter Preparedness for your Car
If there is any chance that you'll have to evacuate or travel during the storm, make sure your vehicles are already packed with supplies. 
http://www.iprepared.blogspot.com/2009/01/winter-preparedness-for-your-car.html

Winter Warmth
When the temperatures plummet and the power is out, here are 11 hints for staying warm.
http://www.iprepared.blogspot.com/2009/01/winter-warmth.html

Also see:  CNN's Hurricane Preparation Checklist - What to do before a big storm.

It looks like sustained flooding, flash floods, and winter weather (for the north) are the biggest issues.  Above all, make sure you weather (pun intended!) out this storm in a safe place.  Don't wait until Monday night to stock up.  Check in on your elderly neighbors.  Stay off the roads and stay safe!

An Example of a Fire Evacuation List

This video tells the story of Jaime Astorga and his family in Colorado who were threatened by a fast moving wild fire. Their family had discussed the need for fire evacuation plans and developed a custom list of items to collect dependent upon the amount of time they had prior to evacuating. They divided their list into 15 minute segments.

 It sounds like they were able to gather quite a bit before having to leave. And the best news? Their home was one of a few saved and they will be able to return!

A list like this is a great idea for many situations.  Want some ideas for making your own list?  Here is a prior post with some ideas:  http://iprepared.blogspot.com/2010/08/prioritized-evacuation-list-grab-n-go.html

Collecting Rain Water

As I have planted my garden this year, I've already had a failure.  My onions, lettuce, and carrots haven't come up and I've planted them twice!  I suspect it's a watering issue.  We've moved to secondary water which isn't turned on until mid April.  That means I've had to hand water for the first few months this year and I suspect that I didn't water those baby seeds enough.

This has me thinking about water for my garden in an emergency.  We live in a desert and don't get a lot of rain through the summer.  In order to be productive, my trees, berries and seeds would definitely need water even if it wasn't available.  I probably wouldn't want to use my clean drinking water supplies.  They would be depleted too rapidly. 

Collecting rain water would be a great way to ensure that you have some water for your garden.  I've seen some great ideas and different set-ups as I've browsed the web.  I've compiled a few here to give you some ideas. 

Basic Components:
1) A large container such as a trash can or water barrel to collect the rain.
2) A lid or top.  You need to be able to keep kids out.  A lid (or at least a screen) will also keep mosquitoes from multiplying.
3) An overflow function.  You don't want the water backing up into your downspout, pouring into your window wells or gathering around your foundation.  You might think this isn't necessary, but Sunset Magazine states that one inch of rain water on a 1000 square foot roof will yield 600 gallons.  In a good rain storm, you might be needing that overflow after only a few minutes.  A good overflow system will handle a large volume of water and move it far from your foundation.
4) Water accessibility method.  This can be a fancy hose set-up at the base or it can be just as simple as a lid that you lift to scoop out the water.

You probably don't want to locate your barrel in the front of your home where it might be an eye-sore.  A location in your back or side yard that is also close to your garden would be ideal.  Two or more barrels can be connected for additional water storage.

Here are some pictures and ideas:

This is a pretty simple setup from Workbench Magazine.  The hose on the side is for overflow.  You could make it longer if needed.  Instructions can be found here:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2gdNar_rMtAMjQxNzUxYmItYjU1ZC00YzYzLTgwNjMtZjg1ODA2MjYxMzdk/edit?pli=1

(click to enlarge)

This is a fairly elaborate setup from Family Handy Man.  I love the use of two barrels and the wooden base.  I also really like the overflow mechanism used.  Instructions Link: http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Green-Home/Saving-Water/how-to-build-a-rain-barrel

You can buy a ready-to-go commercially prepared rain barrel.  Just search for "rain barrel" and you will see many options.  Some are even beautiful like this 65 gallon barrel above which is about $150 on Overstock.  Amazon is also a good source.  They have kits and other supplies as well.




Here are some basic instructions from HGTV.   Actual barrel building starts at 1:30 in the segment.




This is also a fantastic how-to video from Kansas State.



I'd love to hear how you've made this work at your home!

Update:  Here is how Troy made his own 10 barrel rain collection system: http://iprepared.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-working-rain-collection-system.html

EaRThQuAKe!

After one minute of intense 7.0 shaking, extensive damage is done.  As you look around at the cracked windows, broken furniture, and utter mess, you are grateful to be alive.  But now the real test begins.  The power will likely be out for weeks.  Water lines are compromised and you won't have water up to a month.  Major shipping corridors and roads are blocked by falling overpasses.  No food, no electricity, no phone service and no water.  Where is your family?  Do you have what you need? 

If not, get prepared!

Activities for the Great Utah ShakeOut

The Great Utah ShakeOut happens exactly one week from today!  Have you made any plans yet?  Here are some ways that you can help your classroom, business place, or family participate:

Just Do It!
Make plans to signal an earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m on April 17. 

Give Some Advanced Warning
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all have warning when a real earthquake happens!  You can forewarn your colleagues and/or children about an upcoming STOP! COVER! and HOLD ON! drill or you can just create and act out a simulation.  Drills like this can scare young children.  So carefully assess your participants and decide if they need to know beforehand.  You can download and print posters advertising the ShakeOut here: http://www.shakeout.org/utah/resources/index.html

Review Earthquake Procedures
Do a little training at home or with colleagues to educate them about STOP! COVER! and HOLD ON!  Evaluate your living/work spaces and make improvements as needed.  More information, including some games and quizzes, and can be found here: http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/ and here: http://www.shakeout.org/utah/. 

With Children, "you can ... play the ‘Earthquake Game’ where when anyone says “earthquake!” everyone has to pretend an earthquake is happening and practice their response. Teach your children that they should go under a table and hold on if one is near. If they are in a room without a table, crouch against an interior wall, away from windows. Find an “earthquake-safe” location in every room of the house so they don’t try to run during an earthquake. (http://www.shakeout.org/utah/faq/index.html)

Use Sound Effects
The Great Utah ShakeOut website has an audio earthquake file that you can download and use.  There will also be local radios participating in the drill and playing an audio file with sound effects.  You can find the audio files and participating radio stations at:  http://www.shakeout.org/utah/drill/broadcast/.  We did something similar for a Relief Society preparedness night several years ago.  Just having the audio was powerful and frightening.  Be aware that children might be especially frightened and adjust accordingly.

Debrief
Don't let it be business-as-usual afterwards.  The real trials of an earthquake usually come after the shaking has stopped.  Discuss with your family and/or peers your current readiness and set specific goals to improve.

Where Are Your Tomatoes?

Four years ago in April, Elder L. Tom Perry and his wife, Barbara, were hosted by my parents for several days during the weekend of their local stake conference.  One evening as Elder Perry gazed out at the beautiful yard and mountain view from the home's east windows, he turned to my father and asked, "where are your tomatoes?"   It was April at the time - too early for planting tomatoes.  But my parents, over the years, had planted grass over the large garden plot where I used to weed and pull beans and eat warm raspberries as a child.  The garden had been moved to the flower beds and had been gradually reduced until they had just a few raspberries and tomatoes each year. 

You can be sure that my parents have planted tomatoes every year since Elder Perry asked that question.

Elder Perry practices what he preaches.  He once said “There have been very few years in my life when I have not been responsible for a garden. Even now as a city condominium dweller, I still plant and harvest a garden each year. …" (New Era, October 1980)

During the April 1975 General Conference, President Spencer W. Kimball quoted a "much-read" magazine:

“Almost every backyard has what every person needs: a way to help cut inflation and ease the world food crisis in the process.

“It’s called ‘land.’ And there doesn’t have to be much of it to help a lot.

“It can be the play area that doesn’t get played on anymore, a sunny plot behind the garage, a 10-foot strip that runs across the back of the lot, or the adjoining lot that was bought to grow grass and play catch on.

“And all you need to make this space lower your food costs is to raise your own vegetables on it.

“It’s been calculated that a carefully managed garden just 15 x 20 feet in size can yield almost $300 worth of fresh food in six months. So the savings can be substantial.”

Then President Kimball continued,

We are pleased that many people are planting gardens and fruit trees and are buying canning jars and lids. City officials here and many other individuals are planting patches of soil almost equal to the days of the “victory gardens” in World War II. We congratulate those families who are listening and doing.

Planting a garden today is just a relevant as it was in the 1970s.  We similarly face challenges such as world food shortages and looming inflation.  So, like Elder Perry asked my father, I'm asking you, "Where are your tomatoes?"  And if you don't have an answer, today is the day to make plans to plant some!

The Great Utah ShakeOut

Where will you be on the morning of April 17 at 10:15 a.m.?  At work?  At school?  At home?  Likely your family will be in many different places at that exact moment.  What would you do if there was a 7.0 earthquake?   How would you get back together?  How would you communicate?  Do you have enough supplies to survive an extended recovery period without water or power?

Be Ready Utah is hosting The Great Utah Shake Out and is encouraging everyone state wide to DROP! COVER! and HOLD ON! at exactly 10:15 a.m. on April 17.  Write the date on your calendar today!  Even if you don't live in Utah, you can still partcipate and take the opportunity to practice with your family and to improve your earthquake preparedness!

This is a fantastic video to get you thinking about what could happen:



There is a ton of information at this website:  http://www.shakeout.org/utah/resources/.